A4 turbo 1.8, 1.8 non turbo or 2.6

[Darks RS]

Hey all,

Coming back to Australia next week and wanting to purchase either an A4 or a Passat

Now, my question is:

Between the A4 - 1.8turbo, 1.8non and 2.6ltr which is the pick of the bunch (i know that the turbo is better but im after reliability and cheaper service

What are the things i need to check out for when I buy an A4 in oz?

Ill add that im after the first gen A4s so 1995 onwards.

Ive found a few here in Canberra with varying prices, what are they really worth these days good condition, 150ish ks etc

Thanks in advance.

Darks

[SoVeReIgN]

Rule out the 2.6 - Its known for its oil leaks (Although otherwise a good engine)

The 1.8 is a good engine but is horribly underpowered in the A4 - The pick by far is the 1.8t - Quattro if you can find one.

Servicing the turbo is no more expensive than the others and IMO the most reliable. The 1.8t has gone into so many cars it isnt funny, A3,A4,A6,Golf,polo,bora,passat + seat + skoda models. Its a well proven engine and if serviced well (critical) they last forever.

I think you'd be looking at 14k for a raped 1.8t up to 20k for a quattro in pristine condition.

[Jmac]

2.6 oil leaks are no dramas mate. Cam cover gaskets and stag sealant on the lwr edges will keep it dry. Sometimes the chain tensioners leak but they leak exactly the same on the 1.8,s. All these engines are good and reliable if well seviced and cam belts done at the right times. 1.8t bad for Air mass meters,coolant temp sensors and thermostats. But you can play with the 1.8t to squeeze some more horses. 2.6 very limited in this respect but again reliable or even bullet proof i would say. In my 15 years with European vehicles i have never seen catastrophic failure on a 2.6. One came in with a destroyed idler bearing that the timing belt runs on, the belt was as loose as an elastic band and it still was running!!!!! Put a belt water pump and idlers and she was all good, but just on that when all these engines are due for belts it can be exi if you dont know anyone independant. 2.6 will need a Timing belt,idler,tensioner and water pump. 1.8,s need T/belt,tensioner, relay rollers and hydraulic tensioner all available aftermarket.
Im maybe biased but they all have their good and bad. Just remember if you dont know its history have the belt done. Everything else will fall into place. Only one other thing watch for Auto with Tip on higher mileage cars. If they have had poor servicing they can be very costly, Watch for coolant level being low with no signs of leaks as it may be leaking into the tranny via the oil cooler and this causes G/Box failure. I have one like that in surgery at the moment.
Good luck and im sure you wont be dissapointed with your choice.
JImmy